Is the Press Ruining Fashion?

The Academy of Art University in San Francisco recently hosted a fashion symposium with fashion designer Ralph Rucci (the only American invited to show his exquisite clothing under his own name at the Paris Haute Couture), retired designer James Galanos (who dressed former first lady Nancy Reagan and diva Diana Ross),  Michael Fink of Saks Fifth Avenue (VP Women's Fashion Director), and moderated by the fabulous Cameron Silver of Decades (the A-list vintage boutique).

[UPDATE: The discussion is heating up! The Manolo, The Runway Scoop and other bloggers have weighed in with their thoughts, which have been included at the end.]

The purpose of the panel was to discuss the state of fashion, which Rucci kicked off with a passionate rant against the press, accusing it (us!) of helping to "ruin" fashion by placing too much emphasis on unrealistic designs that make for eyecatching editorials but have nothing, apparently, to do with "real" women and "real" fashion.

Sushi, Karate, Warhol...& Fashion!

After his dad and grandfather both die at sea, leaving genius sushi chef Tsukasa Maizu understandably fish averse, he begins channeling his energies into the martial arts instead...until he is advised by someone in the know: "If you can master the art of rolling sushi, you will understand the essence of martial arts." So the Sushi Prince relents, and mayhem ensues...with over-the-top fist fights, karate...and sushi-making galore!

The Nina Garcia Intrigue Continues

The fun, gossipy game of musical chairs starring Nina Garcia, Elle and Project Runway is still afoot.

Since parting ways with Elle magazine, Nina Garcia is rumored to be going to Marie Claire...which might be replacing Elle as the sponsoring partner of Project Runway...which is itself transitioning from Bravo to the Lifetime Network (starting with Season 6 in November)...even as MC's Fashion Director, Tracy Taylor, is apparently leaving...which handily paves the way for Garcia.

"We have no changes in Marie Claire's fashion department to announce at this time," a Hearst spokesperson cryptically emailed Fashion Week Daily. Hmmm...considering how precipitously the magazine's newsstand sales have plummeted since EIC Lesley Jane Seymour's exit almost two years ago, an infusion of Project Runway fabulousness could be just what the circulation doctor ordered.

Some Sneaky Ways to Stay Svelte on the Go

One of the best weapons in the anti-aging arsenal is exercise, yet staying motivated can require as much effort as actual exercise.  To stay on-track, here are some easy ways to sneak in exercise, eat like a non-fat French chick, look chic, and take your coiffure from post-gym to after-hours.

WALK & TALK Your gym membership maybe moldering, but all that time you're on the phone could be put to use sculpting your gams. Simply slip on some Shape Up Shoes and stroll about for at least 30 minutes a day - the muscles used to maintain your balance strengthen like a Stairmaster, pump blood in ways that fight varicose veins and cellulite, and even help fight lower back pain. On your next business trip, tuck a pair in your suitcase and come back in better shape...and all for $40. Available at ShapeUpShoes.com.

Naughty Knickers with a Versace-Meets-Mondrian Vibe

Instead of the usual lace and ribbons of beloved (but predictable) Lise Charmel, Aubade, and Cadolle, the devoted lingerie-fetishist needs something more...more flirty, more aggressive, more downright dangerous.

Borrowing from bondage-gear but without the brutality, and going graphic without being graphic, innovative Rotterdam-based designer Marlies Dekkers fashions architecturally cantilevered bras and undies using multiple mini-straps, geometric designs and surprising color combinations. Her techno fabrics are easy-care, remarkably comfy, and seamless - even in the D and DD sizes - so only you will know that you're wearing some seriously sexy strappy scanties....unless you care to share. un|dressed is available at MarliesDekkers.nl.

- Jennifer Raiser, aka Raiseroni, the San Francisco Treat

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Keep up with What the Cool Kids are Wearing

You love Loubies, Birkin bags, and Gwen Stefani's style...but how do you keep track of who's wearing which of your fave brands, and what the ultra-stylish are rocking?  Instead of having to scour piles of magazines or troll endless blogs (unless you want to), the newly-launched Coolspotters online community cleverly does the legwork. They cross-reference all the products, trends, events, awards, movies, music videos, celebs, biz bigwigs - and, since it is an election year after all, politicians - making it easy to search for so it's easy to find out who's wearing your fave Manolos, brandishing the latest must-have iGadget, or what Katherine Heigl's stylist put her in for her latest red carpet outing.

Carly's Chic Steals and Fashion Deals of the Week: Boho Babe

by Carly J. Cais, Fashion Designer & ChicSteals blog

As a designer - my line is RIVETED Clothing & Accessories - I've developed an eye for style over the years...and right along with it, a nose for a bargain. Half the fun of fashion is looking fabulous without needing to declare bankruptcy. Each week, I showcase hot designer-style steals (each for $100 or, in most cases, for much, much less)...along with one splurge-worthy item.

This Spring has seen the comeback of the breezy California Hippie chic from the 70's with flirty, fun frocks that are feminine, relaxed, and comfortable. To take the look from sweltering city streets to the beach, simply switch out the accessories! Here are some laid-back and lovely bohemian picks guaranteed to bring on the Flower Power:

Fun Message Tees for Singles on the Hunt

"Is it that guys don’t know if we’re available? Are they intimidated by the idea of starting a conversation? Is there a way we could let them know that we’re available…and approachable?"

When cute girls need to ponder such dilemmas, action needs to be taken. Which the enterprising - and single - Kristen & Tamera did with SingleTease, a fun line of message tees that sends the right message: Hello! I'm single & looking, so ask me out already! Spark a convo with boy scouting (are you prepared?); just ask me (out); support your local library (check me out); say hello.; and looking for good pickup lines. Available at SingleTease.com.

- Lesley Scott

The Fashiontribes Week in Chic: Great Links to Check Out

FabSugar unveils their mascot (icon?) Fab's new spring look with some YSL Tribute sandals!
Coquette loves grey handbags for Summer.
The Fashionable Housewife is giving away a FREE Missouri Creve Coeur Bag!
The Coveted opens a European Vintage Shoppe
I'm Not Obsessed shows off Michelle Trachtenberg’s Jewelry Line “Bella Veritas”
Are you petite and curvy? Omiru has the best dresses for busty babes
Fashionably late or right on time with this chic Dior diamond watch at Lux Lotus...your choice...
Cheap JAP finds a way to wear leather and still be green.
Fashiontribes heads South of the border for a taste of fresh fashion design talent from Mexico. 
Pair an Hermes enamel cuff & a Dolce & Gabbana Elefante hobo bag and feel ele-phantastic suggests A Few GoodyGumdrops
Meet makeup maven Sam Fine in an insightful and in-depth interview at The Fashion Bomb.
You feeling lucky? Visit Stylenotes for the chance to win a $100 Lucky Brand Jeans Gift Certificate!
V-Style has the gossip on where to find affordable Chanel Style Knee-High Gladiator Sandals
Some Sexy spring scents unearthed by The Organic Beauty Expert

- Lesley Scott

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Based on Your Handbags, Which Sex & the City Character Are You? Submit a Video & Win a Trip to the NYC Premiere.

Bag Borrow or Steal is featured in the new Sex and the City movie, and to celebrate, they're sponsoring a fun giveaway of tickets to the NYC SATC premiere. There are three ways to enter - so try all 3:

1) borrow handbags or jewelry (counts for any item borrowed through May 9th); 2) take the SATC Purse-onality quiz; or 3) submit a YouTube video in the Style Profile Contest.

The video should be 10 minutes or less and illustrate which SATC character you are based on the bags and accessories in your closet. Check out this fun, cheeky video for inspiration. The lucky winner gets a trip for two to NYC, tix to the premiere, plus a $500 BBoS borrowing credit!

Videos will be judged based on how creative they are, the audio/visual quality, and most importantly, the expression of the SATC style...and one of the judges is yours truly!  You have until May 9 at 11:50 pm NYC time to enter, and the Grand Prize winner will be announced on May 20.

For all the deets, visit BagBorrowOrSteal.com.

- Lesley Scott

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To Tomboy or Not?

A recent piece in the The New York Observer on makeup-eschewing, sneaker-loving, pant-only wearing "urbane tomboys" - whose practical, anti-girlie wardrobe of well-tailored jeans and tees is borrowed from the boys - shows how deeply fashion and feminism are intertwined. 

Anna Wintour Takes a Fashion Risk & We Have Our Say in Newsday

American Vogue editrix showed up at the Metropolitan Museum of Art Costume Institute Gala in this creation, a Chanel Couture design reworked by Karl Lagerfeld to fit into the evening's theme of exploring the transformative powers of fashion.  A fun Newsday piece by Joseph Amodio pointed out that the eyecatching nautilus shell-shaped epaulets and pockets (built for more than just hands) is actually common in fashion history which is replete with examples of designers experimenting with various silhouettes - natural or otherwise.  Bloggers, being bloggers, reacted more along the lines of: "Oh my God!!! Princess Leia!!" (Gawker), "it's one of a kind which is good because we don't need two of those" (wizbangpop.com), and "Just add matching Verdura cuffs and she could zoom off and fight (fashion) crime the world over" (yes, yours truly)

The one thing everyone seems to be in agreement about? Unlike her normally chic but boring safe Prada proclivities, she avoided the cardinal style sin: being boring.

- Lesley Scott

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Martin + Osa Virtual Try On Feature Makes Shopping Fun

Click on their newly-launched Layer It feature, and enjoy seeing how your combinations look on the mannequin so you'll know how the end product will look. Or, if for some unfathomable reason you've outgrown playing (online) paper dolls, Shop by Outfit features entire looks on moving models so you can get more of a sense of how it will work in your offline closet. Not happy with your choices? In addition to free shipping, they also offer free - and hassle-free - returns. Check it out at MartinAndOsa.com.

- Lesley Scott

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Age Gracefully instead of Wind-Tunnel'y with Durian Fruit Extracts

"I have been interested in plants since my days as a pharmacy student studying Pharmacognosy," explains Dr. Howard Murad, who recently added antioxidant- & moisture-rich Durian Cell Reform to his culty skincare line. "Through my research, I’ve discovered that plants are the basis for health and beauty throughout the world.  The study of Ethnobotany, using plants, fruits and vegetables that are indigenous to the region, has been the foundation of my research for many years."

Sweet Yet Perverted Fashion from a Parisian Swiss Miss

While she may look milkmaid-innocent, designer Nicole Locher is anything but...a chatty Jack Nicholson fan who digs tree houses, Charles Bukowski, Richard Neutra, Billie Holliday, and someday dreams of going into outer space.